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Mountain · Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Baviera
Zugspitze
The highest mountain in Germany, at 2,962 metres, on the border with Austria. It is reached by rack railway from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or by cable car from the Eibsee, up to a terrace with views over the Alps.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Zugspitze
The Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany, at 2,962 meters. It stands in the Wetterstein massif, southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the border with Austria runs across the summit. The first recorded ascent was in 1820, made by a surveyor from the Bavarian army.
On the German side there are two ways up. The rack railway (Bayerische Zugspitzbahn), built between 1928 and 1930, departs from Garmisch, passes through Grainau and the Eibsee, and enters a tunnel of more than 4 km to the Zugspitzplatt, the plateau just below the summit; from there the Gletscherbahn cable car completes the ascent. The other option is the Seilbahn Zugspitze, which starts from the shore of the Eibsee and overcomes about 1,945 meters of elevation in a single stretch, in roughly 10 minutes.
The most common approach is to go up one way and descend the other, using a round‑trip ticket valid on both lines. At the top there are panoramic terraces, restaurants and, on the plateau, the last patches of glacier in Bavaria, which have been shrinking.
The cable cars and the train stop for maintenance a few days a year, usually in spring and November, and can close in strong winds. From December to April the plateau often becomes a ski slope, depending on the snow.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 4 to 6 hours for a round trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, including the rack railway ride, time at the summit, and the descent via the Eibsee.
Best time
Go early: clouds often cover the summit after midday, especially in summer. Before buying a ticket, check the live cameras on the official website. Avoid days of technical maintenance, which typically occur in spring and in November.
How to get there
The rack railway departs from the Zugspitzbahn station next to Garmisch-Partenkirchen main station and takes about 75 minutes to reach the plateau. The Seilbahn Zugspitze cable car leaves from the Eibsee, which can be reached by the same train or by car, with paid parking.
Tip
Bring a jacket even in summer: it is much colder at the summit than in the valley. If you are sensitive to altitude, ascend slowly and avoid strenuous activity right after arriving. Buy a round‑trip ticket that combines the train and the cable car.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zugspitze
How to ascend the Zugspitze?
By the rack railway, which departs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and takes about 75 minutes to the plateau, or by the Seilbahn Zugspitze cable car, which leaves from the Eibsee and reaches the summit in about 10 minutes. Many people go up by one and down by the other.
Is the Zugspitze open year-round?
It's open most of the year, but the train and cable cars stop for a few days for maintenance, usually in spring and in November, and may close due to bad weather. Check the official website before you go.
Is it worth going up in cloudy weather?
With the summit covered, the view disappears. Check the live cameras on the official site before buying a ticket; if it's closed, reschedule your trip for another day if you can.
Do I need cold-weather clothing in summer?
Yes. At almost 3,000 meters the temperature is usually well below that of the valley, and it's windy. Bring a jacket and closed shoes.